Abstract: This application describes a back-lit transmissive display including a transmissive display and a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first regions of nanovoided polymeric material and second regions of the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material. The first and second regions are disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. The transmissive display may be a transmissive display panel or a polymeric film such as a graphic.

Abstract: Protective film articles include a thermally stable tape backing with a first major surface and a second major surface, a primer layer on the first major surface of the thermally stable tape backing, and a self-wetting, tack-free adhesive layer at least partially coated on the primer layer. The tack-free adhesive layer includes at least one siloxane-based elastomeric polymer that is thermally stable, and is able to removably adhere to an optical or electronic device without leaving residue on the optical or electronic device. The protective film articles can be used in the preparation of a wide range of optical and electronic articles.

Abstract: This application describes a front-lit reflective display assembly including a reflective display and an illumination article for front-lighting the display when the article is optically coupled to a light source. The illumination article includes a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first and second regions, the first region comprising nanovoided polymeric material, the second region comprising the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material, the first and second regions being disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. Front-lit reflective display devices including the front-lit reflective display assembly optically coupled to a light source are also described.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer article is disclosed. The article may include a surface having a microstructure and it may include a shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer may include a copolymer network. The copolymer network may be formed from the reaction product of a free radically polymerizable siloxane having greater than one functional free radically polymerizable group and at least one (meth)acrylate monomer.

Abstract: Heat-activatable siloxane-based adhesive articles include a substrate and a heat-activatable adhesive layer that includes a hot melt processable siloxane-based elastomeric polymer. The siloxane-based elastomeric polymer is a urea-containing segmented copolymer or an oxamide-containing segmented copolymer. The adhesive layers are substantially free of tackifying resins and are non-tacky and non-adhesive until heated to a temperature of at least 50 C. The adhesive layers may be optically clear and may have a microstructured surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.

Abstract: Methods of modifying polymeric compositions include exposing a polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition to UV radiation at or below the B spectral range to effect de-polymerization of at least a portion of the polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer. The polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer composition may include additional components and the modified polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymer compositions can be included into articles.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that are optically transparent include a (meth)acrylate-based copolymer having a refractive index of at least 1.48, and particles of a thermoplastic polymer. At least some of the particles have an average particle size that is larger than the wavelength of visible light. The adhesive compositions are prepared by hot melt processing packaged adhesive compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protection films comprising an optical film suitably sized for an illuminated display device, the optical film having perimeter surface portions defining a central region. The protection film further comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive layer at the perimeter surface portions of the optical film. The optical film and/or pressure sensitive adhesive layer has been adapted such that the at least the central region of the optical film contacts the illuminated display device or the central region of the optical film is bonded to the illuminated display device by means of a self-wetting layer. The protection film may be preassembled or may be provided as a kit, the kit comprising an optical film and a double-faced pressure sensitive tape.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a stretchable reflective film comprising a transparent polymer layer; a continuous metal layer comprising at least one of tin or indium; a non-reactive adhesive layer; and a stretchable film layer. The stretchable reflective film has at least 30% specular reflectivity when stretched by 50% of the unstretched length according to Specular Reflectivity Test Method.

Abstract: Free radically polymerizable synthons for preparing siloxane polyoxamide copolymers are prepared by reacting amine-terminated siloxane polyoxamide compounds with an isocyanate-functional (meth)acrylate, an isocyanate-functional vinyl-substituted aromatic compound, or a vinyl azlactone. These free radically polymerizable synthons can be used to prepare polymer compositions by combining the free radically polymerizable synthons with an initiator and initiating polymerization.

Abstract: Siloxane-based pipe coatings include a hot melt processable siloxane-based elastomeric polymer, and may optionally contain fillers and additives. The siloxane-based elastomeric polymer is a urea-containing segmented copolymer or an oxamide-containing segmented copolymer. The coatings are substantially free of tackifying resins and are non-tacky and non-adhesive until heated to a temperature of at least 50 C.

Abstract: Methods for preparing silicone-containing polymers by essentially adiabatic polymerization methods are disclosed. The polymerization system includes free radically polymerizable monomers. The monomers include ethylenically unsaturated silicone-containing monomers and/or mercapto-functional silicones as well as additional free radically polymerizable monomers. The silicone-containing polymers are useful as adhesives or release materials.

Abstract: Methods for preparing silicone-containing polymers by essentially adiabatic polymerization methods are disclosed. The polymerization system includes free radically polymerizable monomers. The monomers include ethylenically unsaturated silicone-containing monomers and/or mercapto-functional silicones as well as additional free radically polymerizable monomers. The silicone-containing polymers are useful as adhesives or release materials.

Abstract: Non-silicone urea-based adhesives are disclosed which are prepared by the polymerization of reactive oligomers with the general formula X—B—X, where X is an ethylenically unsaturated group and B is a unit free of silicone and containing urea groups. The reactive oligomers can be prepared from polyamines through chain extension reactions using diaryl carbonates followed by capping reactions. Adhesive articles, including optical adhesive articles may be prepared using the disclosed non-silicone urea-based adhesives.

Abstract: Particles having a first region and a second region surrounding the first region where the second region includes a copolymer extending across a thickness of the second region are described. The volume of the second region is at least 75 percent of the volume of the particle. The particles have a composition and a refractive index that each vary across the thickness of the second region.

Abstract: Marketing strips having a light source and a flexible viscoelastic lightguide for displaying products or product related information, or illuminating a graphic on the marketing strip and products adjacent it. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection until the light exits from surfaces of the lightguide and through the graphic. The viscoelastic lightguide can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which adheres the lightguide to the marketing strip and enhances structural support for it. The light from the lightguide can illuminate products and labels on the marketing strip. The lightguide can also include a bevelled edge with light exiting the edge downward and backward from the marketing strip to illuminate products it.

Abstract: A multilayer optical adhesive including a first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and a second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. A crosslinked or soluble resin layer may be disposed between the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer or the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer may be immediately adjacent to the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. An interface between immediately adjacent layers is structured and there is a difference in refractive indices across the interface.

Abstract: Waterborne suspensions include surface treated silica particles, a water dispersable binder resin, at least one surfactant, and an aqueous solvent. The surface treated silica particles have a mixture of hydrophobic and hydrophilic silane surface treatment agents, where the ratio of hydrophilic silane surface treatment agent to hydrophobic silane surface treatment agent is greater than 1. The waterborne suspensions can be coated and dried to form nanostructured tie layers, especially tie layers to silicone or (meth)acrylate layers.

Abstract: Transfer tapes include an optically transparent adhesive layer with a first major surface and a second major surface, with at least one of the major surfaces including a microstructured pattern that is a permanent feature of the adhesive surface. The microstructured surface alters the direction of light. The optically transparent composition may include a low Tg polymeric component with a Tg of less than 20° C., and an acid or base functionality, and a high Tg polymeric component with a Tg of greater than 20° C., and an acid or base functionality, such that the functionality of the low Tg polymeric component and the functionality of the high Tg polymeric component form an acid-base interaction when mixed. The transfer tapes can be adhered to substrates to provide a microstructured surface to the substrate surface.